Space tourism is a fascinated word since 2001 when Dennis Tito went to space as the world’s first space tourist. During 2001-2009, as many as seven tourists (other than professional astronauts) had visited the International Space Station boarding Soyuz spacecraft from Russia.
It wasn’t easy then as the space travels were time-bound and expensive ($20 to $25 million approximately). However, with aerospace companies like Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, and Blue Origin, it would be possible to have space travel on the to-do list and get it achieved soon.
Facts About Space Tourism
It all started in the 1960s. Yuri Gagarin (from Russia) was the first person to go to space on April 12, 1961. Soon after, in May 1961, Alan Shepard went to space as the first American astronaut. Then, John Glen (from the US) orbited the earth.
During that time (1960-61), the distinction between an astronaut and a non-professional astronaut was clarified by the United States Department of Defense. The American regulatory body that looks into space missions recognized that military/civilian pilots flying above 80 km (50 miles) range above sea level as astronauts.
However, space tourism is different from scientific exploration or expeditions. The curiosity to be in the astronaut’s suit and see the earth from outer space has excited many ever since the 60s.
Types of Space Travel
Over the years, there are three different types of space travel being planned and projected from different agencies/companies.
- Sub-orbital Space Tourism – Most of the recent space travels (both from Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin) are sub-orbital space travels. Sub-orbital space travel is like attaining the speed to cross the space limit (80 km) and then come back to earth’s atmosphere.
- Orbital Space Tourism – Orbital space travel is to attain a velocity to reach space and orbit around the earth and then come back. The cost and technology needed for orbital space tourism are much high and sophisticated. Probably, Roscosmos is the only company to have offered orbital travel in the history of space tourism.
- Lunar Space Tourism – This is something that requires stringent medical tests, physical as well as mental preparation, and obviously significantly high-priced tickets. Lunar space travel, as announced by SpaceX, is a trip around the Moon and come back. This will not be minutes long or hours-long travel – lunar space tour might be 3-4 days long.
Recent Space Travels by Non-Professional Astronauts
Recently, Richard Branson made the headlines as aerospace company Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo did a successful trial of space tour. And surprisingly, the British business tycoon was in the crew members that went on to register a new space age on July 11, 2021.
Almost a week later (July 20, 2021), Jeff Bezos made a successful space flight with his fully automated (no pilot required) Blue Origin spacecraft.
Approximate Space Travel Cost
Space tourism market is the next big thing – no doubt about it. The journey time, space-time, travel comfort, and other yet-to-be promoted features will define the space travel cost. As per various sources, when Virgin Galactic is charging $250,000 per ticket (includes a spacesuit), Blue Origin’s space flight comes at $28 million, and SpaceX’s next trip to outer space is priced at $55 million.
The New-age Space Tourism Has Just Begun
The market is just warming up. There is a lot more to see and witness in the coming future as companies like Boeing, Orion Span, Rocket Lab, and Zero2Infinity are waiting for the right time to start their voyages to outer space.
